BRITISH LABOR CONGRESS

Hokitika Guardian, 14 September 1925, Page 2

BRITISH LABOR CONGRESS

Australia A- N.Z. Cable Association.]

LMRKRIALISM ATTACK FI). MR THOMAS'S CHALLF.NCH. I.ONDON. September |2. By an overwhelming majority t lio Dade- I'nioii Congress passed a resolution supporting the rights ol all ..copies in the F.uipire of soll’-detormin-at ion. including complete separation from the F.uipire. Mr Thomas ridiculed the limitation d' spi hes to Hitee minutes. Dealing with I’alestine. Egypt, China. Kenya and elsewhere .Mr Thomas sail! the delegates who spoke of Kenya knew nothing of the country. Let the British Laho'.ir Baity say what it had to say about Kenya to the. ~oiith Alrican Labour Baity, and talk in the same strain to the people ol Canada and Australia. They would receive their answer. There Was a small attendance at tho closing session, blit the debate was lively. Tim chief speakers in .support lit tin- resolution attacking Imperialism wen- Mr Pill dull, who headed a. deputation to Russia some months ago and th.- < oiiinniiiist. Mr I’nllitt. both d"livi rilm violent, speeches. Tiio resolution was about to he put to the vote when Mr Thomas intervened. lie appealed W the Congress not in make itseli ridiculous hv passing such an important resolution with hall tie- deb-cats gone and only threo minutes for speeches. The figures at the voting were :i.ii,s2.(tiii| fur and 75J>00 against. Tho National I'nion ol Railwayman abstained from voting. Tim new (tenoral Council elected ion i-t- mostly oi’ moderates, including Mr Thomas.